BESIDES MATWORK, REFORMERS ARE THE LEADING EQUIPMENT CHOICE FOR PILATES GROUP CLASSES.
The formula is easy and there’s no thinking required. Simply by offering Pilates group classes with the right equipment, you’ll attract and retain clients like never before.
Pilates is, without a doubt, an exercise with history. But the compelling draw to Pilates is not because of its legacy - it's due to the continued innovation of equipment and programming that keep clients coming back for more. Adding equipment such as reformers and chairs to your Pilates group classes will make a big impact.
SOME THINGS ARE BETTER IN A GROUP!
There is something to be said about working out in a group. It’s a fun, social, collective experience that your clients cannot get anywhere else. At home workouts or sessions with a personal trainer are also great to fit into the fitness equation, but they do not compare to the challenge and dynamic pace of a group class. With the delicate air of competition, each class member works to perform the exercises to their best ability - often pushing themselves more than they would on an individual basis. It’s this type of “feel good” experience that has made group exercise classes an overwhelmingly popular fitness choice over the years.
Group classes also save the client money while increasing revenue for the studio. In other words, the cost per class goes down for each participant while the profits increase for the fitness facility or studio. It’s a win, win situation!
REFORM YOUR PILATES GROUP CLASS
Besides Matwork, Reformers are the leading equipment choice for Pilates group classes. With a wide selection of models to choose from and a range of exciting accessories, studios can select the right machine for them, based on studio space, client type, and price - it's now easier than ever to set-up a Reformer studio, whatever your budget. With more and more facilities offering Pilates classes to their clients, spaces are commonly shared and have become multi-purpose. For example, after an aerobic step class, boxing or Yoga class, it may be time to roll out the Reformers and offer a Pilates group class.
Reformer accessories are ideal for the group class environment as instructors can add interest to their programming simply by incorporating a new apparatus. Clients feel empowered when trying new things, even if their body is already familiar with the movement - a new accessory will diversify the class and make things new and slightly more challenging. For a more beginner level class, Reformer accessories can also help to modify the original exercise enabling the class participants to perform without unnecessary tension or strain.
SO WHAT IS A REFORMER ANYWAY?
If you're used to standard gym equipment, you may not be familiar with the Pilates Reformer. In short, it's a studio essential. Facilitating effective full-body exercise by means of spring resistance, a moving carriage and rope system, this machine has proven to be a client and fitness professional favorite because of its comfort and efficiency. And with its popularity, comes demand for both manufacturers and facilities alike. In order to meet this demand, leading Pilates organizations have evolved their standard model to incorporate many of the features that gyms and facilities require to accommodate various exercise options under one roof. Some models are completely versatile. In addition to the basic Reformer, these 24 multi-purpose units also perform as a raised Matwork surface and offer the functionality of the Cadillac Trapeze Table (another Pilates mainstay). Plus, when not in use, they can easily stack on top of one another and roll away into the nearest corner or storage closet.
In a Pilates group class, each client is assigned or claims a Reformer for the hour and often starts by setting the machine to their own personal settings, based on height and comfort. These are usually determined in an introductory session, where instructors teach new clients the Reformer basics before entering the group class. After a brief overview of the Reformer, clients are ready to join in on group classes and often become dedicated Reformer users for life. Many devoted clients have expressed that the machine is more than just a platform for contemporary mind-body exercise, but that their bodies have drastically changed and that the tranquil gliding sensation of the carriage encourages concentration and mental focus before and after their workout.